Definition of LION

lion

Plural: lion, lions

Noun

  • A large, carnivorous feline mammal, known for its majestic mane.
  • large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
  • a celebrity who is lionized (much sought after)
  • (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo
  • the fifth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about July 23 to August 22
  • A big cat, Panthera leo, native to Africa, India and formerly much of Europe.
  • A big cat, Panthera leo, native to Africa, India and formerly much of Europe.
  • A male lion, as opposed to a lioness, which is characterized by having a flowing shaggy mane and taking little part in hunting, which can be done cooperatively.
  • Any of various extant and extinct big cats, especially the mountain lion.
  • A Chinese foo dog.
  • A person who shows attributes associated with the lion, such as strength, courage, or ferocity.
  • A famous person regarded with interest and curiosity.
  • A light brown color that resembles the fur of a lion.
  • An old Scottish coin, with a lion on the obverse, worth 74 shillings.

Adj

  • Of the light brown color that resembles the fur of a lion.

Examples

  • Playing ’LION’ with the ’I’ on a double letter score felt like a mighty roar.
  • Tigers and lions share a common ancestor from a few million years ago.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English lyoun, lion, leon, borrowed from Old French lion, from Latin leō, (accusative: leōnem), from Ancient Greek λέων (léōn), of unclear origin. Doublet of Leo, leu, lev, and Lyon. Displaced Old English lēo, from the same Latin source.

Synonyms

king of beasts, Leo, Leo the Lion, Panthera leo, social lion

Scrabble Score: 4

lion: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
lion: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
lion: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 6

lion: valid Words With Friends Word